Did you know that it can literally pay to move to the right city and state? Many locations are offering financial incentives to people who choose to relocate there.
This article is going to show you some of the top cities and states that will pay you to move there in 2022.
Get Up to $15,000 To Move to Some of These Cities and States
Team Clark has researched all of these places to make sure that the programs are legitimate and active as of September 2022.
Table of Contents
Note that one of the common requirements for getting the monetary incentive is that you live in the respective city or state for a specific period of time, so be sure you read all of the rules before you apply.
1. Alaska
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a dividend paid to Alaska residents who have lived in the state for a full calendar year.
The amount of the PFD changes every year according to what the Alaska state legislature approves. The 2022 PFD budget set aside $3,284 for every eligible Alaskan.
How To Apply
According to the program’s website, to be eligible for a PFD, you must have been an Alaska resident for the entire calendar year before the date you apply for a dividend and intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely. So even if you move right away, you won’t be eligible to get any PFD money until 2024.
The application acceptance period runs from January 1 to March 31 on a yearly basis. See details here.
2. Lincoln, Kansas
The small city of Lincoln, Kansas, is currently accepting applications for its Free Home Site Program, which grants free land to eligible prospective homebuilders.
On the Lincoln County website. the program is described as providing “free build-ready lots to individuals and families interested in moving to the community and/or building a new home.”
How To Apply
Want a free lot in a residential development? Apply here.
3. Newton, Iowa
Newton, Iowa, located right outside Des Moines, has a major Housing Incentive for newcomers who want to live there.
The city’s website says, “For homes valued at $190,000 or more, homebuyers will receive a $10,000 cash incentive and the Get to Know Newton Welcome Package.”
How To Apply
To apply, contact the Newton Housing Development Corporation:
Mailing address: P.O. Box 102 Newton, IA 50208. Phone: 641-521-6031 or contact Housing Director Bruce Showalter at [email protected]
4. The Shoals (Alabama Region)
The Remote Shoals initiative is another relocation program that will pay you $10,000 to live in a region of northern Alabama known as “the Shoals.” The area is comprised of the cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia.
How To Apply
The Remote Shoals program is currently open! Apply here.
5. Topeka, Kansas
Topeka, Kansas, has a program called the Choose Topeka Relocation Incentive, which offers money to move to Topeka or the surrounding Shawnee County area.
How Much Money Can You Get?
According to the Choose Topeka website, “Up to $15,000 gross in funds for renting in the first year of a candidate’s move; up to $15,000 gross in funds for a home purchase/rehab in Topeka/Shawnee County.”
How To Apply
6. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Since its launch in 2018, the Tulsa Remote plan has been giving $10,000 grants to eligible remote workers or entrepreneurs who agree to live in the city for at least one year.
In addition to the $10,000, grant recipients also get a one-year membership at a local co-working space as well as help in identifying housing and community-building opportunities.
How To Apply
Want to live in Tulsa? Apply here.
7. Vermont
Vermont currently offers up to $7,500 in incentive pay for people who move there under the following programs:
- The New Relocating Worker Grant is open to new residents who fill a vacancy with a state employer in a qualified occupation.
- The New Remote Worker Grant program is for new residents that work remotely with companies located out of state.
Vermont says yet another relocation program will soon be launched at some point. “The new program is in development and the details will be different than previous programs,” it says on the state’s website. “If you are considering a relocation and would like to learn more about the new program, please subscribe to the 802+You newsletter to receive notifications as more information becomes available.”
How To Apply
To apply to the New Relocating Worker Grant program, click here; here’s what to know about the New Remote Worker Grant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re willing to relocate, you can get free money by leaving your comfort zone and starting anew in a different city.
Perhaps you’d like to retire to a state that has a lower cost of living or go where the jobs are. This could be your chance!
If you’re contemplating making a move and want to secure some employment first, there are plenty of remote jobs available across several disciplines.
Want to see who’s hiring remote workers? Read our Work From Home Guide
Best Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses for 2023 - Team Clark spent hours reviewing the market for credit card sign-up bonuses and evaluated them according to the guidelines for usage set by money expert Clark Howard. Clark believes credit cards with exorbitant annual fees are a bad idea for most… 
Best Cell Phone Plans in 2023: The Cheapest Plan for Every Need - Team Clark ranks the best cell phone plans and deals! See our favorites for unlimited data, families and cheap plans starting at $10/month. 
